Implementing New Feature Extraction Techniques for Characterization of Complex Mineral Signatures of Salty Regions on Mars

This study exploits recent advances in image calibration and feature extraction techniques for analysis of hyperspectral images acquired by the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) to characterize subtle geologic outcrops at the border of phyllosilicate-bearing and sulfate-bearing regions of Mars. Specifically, a unique spectral “doublet” feature at 2.21-2.23 and 2.26-2.28 μm is isolated to characterize salty regions that may represent a changing climate on Mars. The martian locations exhibiting these spectral features are identified and compared with terrestrial settings with similar geologic compositions.